Developers have pledged to deliver more family homes and open space in an area earmarked for hundreds of new houses in Leyland.

Taylor Wimpey UK and Ainscough Brothers have already been told by South Ribble Council land at the old Farington Business Park site off Wheelton Lane, behind Morrisons, is suitable for residential development.

They have now come forward to the council with more detailed plans for the development in the area, which will span up to 468 homes.

The developers have now scrapped plans for one and two-bed apartments, saying the market for such properties has waned since they were granted planning consent in 2009.

The next phase of the building project will instead focus on ‘family housing’, with three and four detached bedroom houses.

A planning statement, prepared by Pegasus on behalf of Taylor Wimpey, says: “Many of the design and access principles accepted as part of the previous development have been transferred to this proposal.

“However, the new proposal includes more family housing, no three/four storey apartments and much greater provision of public open space.

“It is an improved design solution for the site and most importantly is a viable and deliverable development subject to any developer contributions not being too onerous.

“The apartments approved with the original consent are no longer suitable given the current housing market conditions.”

The developers said changes had made made after consultation with the local community.